RESEARCH PAPERS--Basics Most of You Know and All of You Need
to Know
1. Reliable Information
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Are all sources equal?
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Qualities of good sources: first-hand knowledge, objectivity, up-to-date.
How do you know if the source you are looking at has these qualities?
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Is one source enough?
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Usually no, but sources must be equal or complementary. Why?
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Is using one source, but adding a quote or reference to a couple of other
sources enough? Why not?
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If one source is seems much better than everything else you can find, what
can you do?
2. Sources of Facts Shown to Reader
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Is a "Works Consulted" List enough?
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Is a "Works Consulted" List plus references for all direct quotations enough?
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Is a URL enough for a reader to judge reliability? What information
is needed about a wehsite used as a source?
3. Your Thought
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Selection
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Detection of incongruities; question or research more
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Interpretation of primary sources--quotations and pictures
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Recognition of importance and connections
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Arrangement
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Relationships to what you know and expect your audience to know